Kerry
Chemical Health Graduate
In 1995, Kerry was leaving a bar when he was hit on the head with a baseball bat. The injury resulted in a traumatic brain injury. While being treated for his injuries in a veteran’s hospital, he was diagnosed with an additional brain injury. Years of chemical exposure while working as an auto body refiner had caused permanent damage to his brain.
“The VA tried for 10 or 15 years to get me to go to Vinland Center but I resisted. I don’t know why; I guess I just wasn’t ready.”
Kerry estimates he went to 15 treatment centers before finally agreeing to come to Vinland, but he said treatment at Vinland was different because he felt treated as an individual.
“Vinland was able to address issues other than just chemical dependency. They worked with me on my brain injuries and PTSD issues. I was treated as a whole person.”
Kerry credits fitness as a big part of his recovery. When asked what stands out to him the most about his stay at Vinland, he talked about the therapeutic exercise program.
“My accomplishments in the fitness center carried over into other parts of my life. It was about treating the whole person – the mind and the body. A big part of my recovery is staying healthy physically.”
Kerry moved into a half-way house following his treatment at Vinland and plans to continue receiving services at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center.
“This is the first time in my life I’ve had any quality recovery,” Kerry said. “Before I always wanted too much, too soon. Now I’m moving along kind of slow and it doesn’t bother me.”
Please note: Images are stock photos. Former clients provided Vinland with permission to share their stories.